Roof step system

ABSTRACT

A step system for providing a toehold/slide guard on inclined surfaces, such as a roof is disclosed. Individual steps including a toehold are connected at variable distances by flexible material permitting the steps to be spaced sufficiently far apart to allow an adult to kneel between neighboring steps. In preferred embodiments of the step system, individual steps include molded cutout handles, reenforced grommets for passage of fasteners, and non-skid surfaces for additional safety when the step system is employed in steeply pitched planes.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/174,714 filed Jan. 6, 2000. The entirety ofthat provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a step system for providing atoehold/slide guard on inclined surfaces, such as a roof.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background

[0005] Providing a safe and secure foothold for workers working on aninclined surface, such as a roof, has been a concern in the constructionindustry for years. The most common method for providing a foothold on aroof today is by nailing a 2×4 (as used herein, 2″×4″refers to a 2 inchby 4 inch piece of lumber) directly to the roof. This method has severaldisadvantages. First, nailing a 2×4 to the roof creates holes inexisting roofing materials. Second, because there is no protectivematerial surrounding the 2×4, workers using the 2×4 as a toehold/slideguard will often dislodge granular material that is attached to roofshingles. Third, the lack of protective material around the roof stepallows soil and other debris from workers' shoes to be deposited on theroof.

[0006] The above identified short comings associated with the use of a2×4 for toeholds/slide guards has led to the development of a number ofalternative systems. These alternative systems can generally beclassified into one of two categories: 1) ladder-like roofing systems;and 2) platform systems. Ladder-like systems generally provide steps,similar to a ladder, that are intended to allow a worker to climb theroof. An example of a ladder-like system is the system described in UKPatent No. 2,131,475. Systems such as these provide a number of steps,spaced approximately the same distance as steps in a ladder. Onedrawback to the system proposed in UK Patent No. 2,131,475 is that thesystem is comprised of a rigid board, which makes the system cumbersomefor use on a roof. Another example of a ladder-like system is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 2,708,543. This system discloses a number of triangularsteps attached to a flexible rubber/foam backing board. Although thissystem has the advantage of providing a flexible backing, it stillsuffers from the relative disadvantage of being heavy and cumbersome foruse on a roof. More importantly, both of these ladder-like systems donot provide toeholds that are spaced sufficiently far enough apart toallow a worker to kneel between successive, or neighboring, toeholds.Thus, while such ladder-like systems are useful for climbing a roof,such systems are not as useful for a roofer who needs to kneel whileperched on a toehold to install roofing shingles.

[0007] The second type of alternative roofing systems are platform basedroofing systems. An example of a platform based roofing system isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,123. This system consists of an angledbracket that holds a 2×4 at an angle with respect to the roof to providetoehold. This system suffers from many of the same drawbacks associatedwith using a single 2×4, including the necessity of driving nailsthrough the bracket to secure the bracket to the roof. Several morecomplicated platform systems are also known in the art, including thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,785,606; 5,908,083; and 5,624,006. Thesesystems all provide good working surfaces, but are complicated andclumsy for use on a roof. Variations on the platform based systems aremobile platforms that can be attached to a worker's feet such as theplatform described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,028 and UK Patent No.2,131,475. Systems such as these are also cumbersome to use on a roof.What is needed is a light weight, easy to use system that provides atoehold/slide guard for a worker that will allow the worker to kneel onthe roof in order to perform tasks such as installing shingles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention overcomes to a great extent thedeficiencies found in the prior art discussed above by providing a stepsystem comprising a number of spaced apart steps attached to aconnecting material, wherein the steps are spaced sufficiently far apartto allow an adult to kneel between neighboring steps. In preferredembodiments, the connecting material is a light weight nylon and thesteps are formed from high strength, light weight plastic. Highlypreferred embodiments of the present invention employ a woven nylonmaterial, approximately 900-1,000 denier. This type of fabric has beenfound to exhibit exceptional traction when used on asphalt shingles. Thematerial is preferably solid. Besides providing traction on the roofsurface, the use of a “solid” material also protects the roof both fromdirt and other debris and from worker's shoe which tends to dislodge thegranular material found on many asphalt shingles. The connectingmaterial may be provided with a number of grommets, suitable forattaching the connecting material to the roof. In preferred embodimentsof the invention, the step system is of sufficient length such that itcan be draped over the entire roof and secured in sections to the roof.In preferred embodiments, the step includes a handle, which may also beused to secure a life line to the step. Preferably, the steps areseparated by approximately 20 inches to approximately 36 inches, whichis generally sufficient to provide room for a worker to kneel using onestep as a toehold/slide guard. The step system may be any width, but aspreferably between approximately 18 inches to approximately 50 incheswide, which is generally sufficiently wide to provide a toehold for bothof a worker's feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of theattendant features and advantages thereof will be readily obtained asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roof step system according tothe present invention in use on a roof.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the roof step system of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a top view of the roof step system of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the roof stepsystem of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a front view of the roof step system of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a side view of the roof step system of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the roofstep according to the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a functional application of thepreferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment ofthe roof step according to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodimentof the roof step according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,a perspective view of a roof step system 100 installed on the roof 10 ofa building 20 is shown in FIG. 1. A worker 30 is using the roof stepsystem 100 to install shingles 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the roof stepsystem 100 extends over the peak of the roof 10. The roof step systemmay be attached to the other side of the roof before the shingles areattached to that side, or may extend entirely over the other side of theroof and be attached at a place on the house, thereby avoiding thenecessity of creating holes in the roof 10 sheathing. The spacingbetween successive steps 130 on the roof system 100 allows the worker 30to kneel between successive steps 130. The step system 100 also protectsinstalled shingles 12 from being scuffed and dirtied by the worker'sfeet.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the roof step system 100. FIG. 2illustrates the connecting material 110. The connecting material 110 maybe any material that is sufficiently strong to connect the step. Inpreferred embodiments, the material 110 is solid, or closed (as usedherein, a solid or closed material is a material of a sufficiently denseweave such that dirt and other debris is prevented from passing throughthe material 110). However, other types of material may also be used.These other types of material may include open nets or meshes. It isalso possible to use two thin strips of material spaced apart such thatthe strips of material are attached to opposite ends of a step 100. In ahighly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connectingmaterial is made from a heavy gauge (900 to 1,000 denier) nylon packcloth. This material has been found to exhibit excellent traction oncommonly used asphalt roof shingles. As can be seen with reference toFIG. 3, in an even more highly preferred embodiment of the invention,the fabric 110 is reenforced by thin nylon strips 120, comprised of a 2inch wide 6000 lb. break strength nylon/seat belt webbing for addedstrength.

[0022] Still referring to FIG. 3, a distance D separates the toehold 134of one step 130 from the start of a successive step 130. The distance Dis chosen to allow a worker to kneel between successive steps 130.Preferably, the distance D is between approximately 20 inches andapproximately 36 inches.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the reenforcingstrips 120 include grommets 140. The grommets are used to secure thestep system 100 to a nail, screw, or other object. Experience has shownthat in many situations, a single grommet 140 on each side of the top ofthe step system 100 is sufficient to secure the step system 100. This ispartially due to the excellent traction provided by the connectingmaterial 110. However, a plurality of grommets 140 are provided to allowmultiple screws or nails to be used to secure the step system 100 to theroof for the sake of safety; especially when the step system 100 is usedon an uncovered plywood roof. The multiple grommets 140 also allow theroof step system 100 to be attached to a roof at a number of differentpoints.

[0024] The step 130 is attached to the connecting material 110 by 6000pounds of nylon seat belt webbing 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG.4, two slots 138 per side are used to attach the step 130 to theconnecting material 110 through the reenforcing strip 120. Any number offasteners other than nylon seat belt webbing 138 could be used to securethe step 130 to the connecting material 110, but nylon seat belt webbingis preferred because the nylon webbing 120 has low profile on theopposite side of the material 110.

[0025] The step 130 includes a base 132 having a width W. The width W ischosen to prevent the step 130 from tipping over when used as atoehold/slide guard. In preferred embodiments, the width W isapproximately 8 inches. The width W of the connecting material isapproximately 10 inches to approximately 30 inches wide. More preferablystill, the step 134 may be comprised of an textured plastic, which hasbeen shown to provide surprisingly good traction, especially whensneakers are worn.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the step 130includes a toehold 134 of a height H. In preferred embodiments, theheight H is equal to approximately 4 inches. Greater heights H are alsopossible, but the use of greater heights would require an increase inthe width W of the base 132 of the step 130. Also shown in FIG. 5 is ahandle 136, which is formed by removing portions of the toehold 134. Thehandle 136 provides a convenient surface for a worker to grab. Thehandle 136 may also be used to provide a point at which a life linecould be attached to the step system 100. Such a life line is intendedto be a short, e.g., 6 foot, life line. A short life line such as thisprevents the step system 100 from being exposed to excessive force inthe event that a worker should lose his footing. Another advantage of ashort life line is convenience of use.

[0027] The step 130 is preferably comprised of a high strength, lightweight plastic. Of course, other materials could also be used. Forexample, steps comprised of aluminum, steel and/or vulcanized rubber arealso possible. It should also be noted that it is possible to use thesolid nylon seat belt webbing 6000 pounds connecting material 110without steps 130. Used in this manner, the connecting material 110provides good traction while keeping the roof 10 clean.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the toehold 134 is solid other thanthe cutout for the handle 136. One advantage to this arrangement is thatthe toehold 134 can be used by a worker 30 as a tool rest as shown inFIG. 1.

[0029] Further as shown in FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment of the step130, the base 132 includes keyhole-shaped sleeves 142 that are designedto permit passage of a nail, screw, or other fastener (not shown), inorder to secure the step 130 to the roof surface. The keyhole shapeallows the step 130 to be removed from the fastener without having toremove and reinstall the fastener, or without having to remove thefastener and patch or repair the hole left by the removed fastener.Furthermore, the keyhole-shaped sleeve 142 permits step 130 wheninstalled to be anchored in place by sliding the step 130 so that thefastener passes through the narrow portion of keyhole-shaped sleeve 142.In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is anticipated that 1.5 inch #10Phillips head screws will be used, and upon removal of the step 130, thescrews are simply countersunk into the roofing material to maintain animpervious surface.

[0030] A further advantage to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7is that individual roof steps may be placed in irregular patterns asconditions require. As shown in FIG. 7A, at the discretion of the user,connecting material 110 may be used between individually placed steps130.

[0031]FIG. 8 displays another preferred embodiment of the step 130,wherein the step is especially suitable for use on vertical or steeplypitched planes. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8, toehold 134has non-skid surface 144 which permits the user to maintain stablefooting while working on the vertical or steeply pitched plane. In thepreferred embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the non-skid surface 144 isprovided through a pattern of molded knurls, but the non-skid surfacecan also be provided through the use of applique, sand paint, or othertechniques familiar to persons of ordinary skill in the art.Keyhole-shaped sleeves 142 are preferably placed relatively close totoehold 134, to minimize the stress on the fasteners (not shown) thatare used to attach step 130 to the roof or steeply pitched plane.

[0032] Turning to FIG. 9, a further preferred embodiment of the step 130is shown, wherein the overall length of the step is increased, to permitextensive lateral movement by the user. The preferred embodiment shownincludes multiple keyhole-shaped sleeves 142, preferably placed atconstruction industry-relevant standardized intervals such as 16 inchesand 24 inches. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 9 further includesnon-skid surface 144, and one edge of step 130 includes rulerdemarcations 146 to indicate length from any point along step 130.Multiple cutouts for handholds 136 permit one or more users convenientlyand safely to carry the preferred embodiment shown. As shown in FIG. 9,it is anticipated that the preferred embodiment of the step will beformed from 14 gauge cold-rolled or cold-drawn steel, but any materialof sufficient strength, resilience, resistance to corrosion and otherdesirable properties, which will be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the relevant art, may be used.

[0033] While the invention has been described in detail in connectionwith the preferred embodiments known at this time, it should be readilyunderstood that the invention is not limited to such disclosedembodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate anynumber of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalentarrangements not heretofore described but which are commensurate withthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is notto be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limitedby the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A step system comprising: connecting material;and a plurality of steps attached to the connecting material, said stepsbeing spaced apart by a distance sufficient to allow an adult to kneelbetween neighboring steps.
 2. The step system of claim 1, wherein thesteps are spaced apart by approximately 20 inches to approximately 36inches.
 3. The step system of claim 1, wherein the connecting materialis approximately 10 inches to approximately 36 inches wide.
 4. The stepsystem of claim, 1, wherein the connecting material is nylon 6000 poundseat belt webbing.
 5. The step system of claim 4, wherein the nylon isapproximately 900 to approximately 1,000 denier.
 6. The step system ofclaim 1, wherein the connecting material is a closed material.
 7. Thestep system of claim 1, wherein the steps are attached to the connectingmaterial by 6000 pound seat belt webbing.
 8. The step system of claim 1,wherein the step includes a handle.
 9. The step system of claim 1,further comprising a life line attachable to the handle.
 10. The stepsystem of claim 1, wherein the step is comprised of high impact plastic.11. A step system comprising: connecting material; and a plurality ofsteps attached to the connecting material, said steps being variablyspaceable.
 12. The step system of claim 11, wherein the steps may bespaced out of parallel.
 13. The step system of claim 11, wherein thestep further comprises a non-skid surface.
 14. The step system of claim11, wherein the step further comprises a keyhole-shaped sleeve forpassage of a fastener.
 15. The step system of claim 11, wherein the stepfurther comprises ruler demarcations along one edge.